The Resurrection and the Life

Throughout history, many people have believed in God, but not all have truly trusted Him. A powerful example of this is George Müller, a man known for his radical dependence on God.

Müller ran orphanages in 19th-century England, caring for thousands of children. But what set him apart was his unwavering trust in Christ to provide—he refused to ask anyone for money and instead prayed for God to meet every need. Time and time again, when there was no food, no resources, and no human way forward, Müller trusted that Christ would provide. And God always did.

One morning, the orphanage had no food for the children’s breakfast. The staff was worried, but Müller calmly gathered the children, prayed, and thanked God for the meal He would provide—even though there was none in sight. Moments later, a knock came at the door. A baker had extra bread and felt led to bring it. Then a milk cart broke down in front of the orphanage, and the driver, unable to move it, offered the fresh milk to the children.

Müller didn’t just believe that God could provide—he trusted Him personally and acted accordingly.

We’ve all heard about Jesus, and many of us would say we believe in Him. But I want to ask you this morning—Do you truly trust Jesus? Not just trust the idea of Jesus, but trust in Him personally? Do you trust Him in a way that shows you are fully dependent on Him for everything, or do you still rely on your own strength, your own plans, your own efforts?

And when you think about the truths of Scripture—do they shape your devotion to Christ? Or is your doctrine just something you know but doesn’t really stir your heart? You see, doctrine and devotion go hand in hand. True faith is not just about what we know—it’s about how we live because of what we know.

MP: Trust in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life, who alone gives us hope, life, and salvation.

Title: "Sovereign Over Death: Christ, the Resurrection and the Life"

Text: John 11:1-44 Christ sovereignly orchestrates Lazarus’ death and resurrection to reveal His glory and point to His own triumph over sin and death.

The Providence of Christ’s Delay (John 11:1-16)

His Sovereign Purpose (v. 4) – Lazarus’ sickness is not meaningless but designed for God’s glory.

His Divine Timing (v. 6) – Jesus delays, demonstrating that His ways are not man’s ways.

His Fearless Determination (v. 7-16) – Jesus walks toward danger, knowing all things are in the Father’s hands.

Could it be unloving for Jesus to wait two more days. By the time he arrives, Lazareth has been dead for three. If you were Mary, asking the Lord to hurry. You may have thought that the Lord was unloving and didnt care. Your feelings are wrong. This is why we cannot trust our feelings. They say “Jesus doesnt love you. Jesus wont be by your side. Jesus doesnt care. Let the truth of Christ and who he is cause your emotions to be shaped.

Sometime the Lord does not give us the answer to our prayers in the midst of our suffering and pain. He isnt always quick to take away suffering. He however, enters into our suffering with us. So that he may be glorified.

It is safe to travel with Jesus because he is the true light in the world

God’s decrees are never thwarted; even suffering and death serve His purposes (Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11).

The Proclamation of Christ’s Deity (John 11:17-27)

The Illusion of Human Control (v. 21) – Martha assumes if Jesus had been there earlier, things would be different.

Like Martha, we often assume we know what is best. We measure God's faithfulness by how well He aligns with our expectations, rather than submitting to His perfect will. This is reflected in our prayers—not prayers of reverence, trust, and expectancy, but prayers shaped by personal desires that often lack a deep submission to God's sovereignty.

Rather than waiting on the Lord, we are prone to take matters into our own hands, attempting to force results instead of trusting in His perfect timing. But faith does not mean frantic activity—it means resting in the wisdom and power of God, knowing that His ways are always higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Instead of assuming we know what is best, we must learn to submit our desires and plans to the sovereign will of God. True faith is not merely asking God to bless our agenda but coming before Him with open hands, trusting that His ways are always better than ours. This is reflected in our prayers—not as demands or desperate attempts to control the outcome, but as humble expressions of trust in our all-wise and loving Father.

Rather than anxiously taking matters into our own hands, we must cultivate patient dependence on the Lord. Waiting on God is not passive but an act of faith—knowing that His timing is perfect and His purposes are sure.

The Invitation to True Faith (v. 23-26) – Martha already believes some truths about Jesus—she knows He is powerful, she knows God listens to Him, and she even believes in a future resurrection. But her faith is more intellectual than personal. She sees Jesus as someone who could have helped rather than someone who is her only hope.

Jesus challenges her to move beyond just knowing facts about Him to actually trusting Him as the source of life itself. When He says, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25), He’s not just teaching doctrine—He’s calling Martha to place her confidence in Him right now. That’s why He asks, "Do you believe this?" (v. 26).

This is the same challenge for us today. It’s one thing to know about Jesus, but do we trust Him personally? Do we believe in Him only in theory, or do we rest in Him completely, knowing that He alone gives life?

IIf Jesus is the Resurrection, then He isn’t just the way resurrection happens—He is the source of it. He doesn’t just point to resurrection; He is resurrection. He isn’t just a means to an end—He is the beginning, the power, and the fulfillment of new life. Without Jesus, there is no resurrection. He is the author, the sustainer, and the guarantee of eternal life.

But Jesus doesn’t stop there—He also says, "I am the Life." This means He is not just the one who raises the dead but the one who gives life itself. He is the source of both physical life and eternal life. Apart from Him, there is only death—spiritual and physical. But in Him, there is true, lasting, and abundant life (John 10:10).

So when Jesus tells Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life," He is making it clear: Hope is not found in an event but in a person—Himself. If we want resurrection, we must have Christ. If we want eternal life, we must have Christ. He alone is life.

The Irresistible Call to Believe (v. 26) – "Do you believe this?" Salvation is through faith in Christ alone.

 True faith is not just intellectual agreement but a gift of God that leads to trusting Christ as our only hope (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Passion of Christ’s Compassion (John 11:28-37)

The Nearness of Christ to His Own (v. 28-30) – He comes to those whom the Father has given Him.

The Limitations of Human Understanding (v. 32, 37) – The crowd questions Christ’s power, failing to grasp His divine mission.

The Depth of Christ’s Love (v. 33-35) – Jesus weeps, not from weakness, but from holy grief over sin’s effects.

Jesus enters into suffering. Knowing its pain and how the world is supposed to be.

  : Christ’s compassion is particular—He loves His sheep with a covenantal, effectual love (John 10:14-15).

The Power of Christ’s Resurrection (John 11:38-44)

The Defiance of Death (v. 39-41) – The stench of decay reminds us of sin’s corruption, yet Jesus is unfazed.

The Divine Authority of Christ (v. 41-42) – He prays, not for power, but to reveal His unity with the Father.

The Effectual Call of Christ (v. 43-44) – "Lazarus, come forth!" Jesus speaks life, and Lazarus must obey.

 Reformed Emphasis: Just as Lazarus could not raise himself, sinners are spiritually dead until Christ effectually calls them to life (Ephesians 2:1-5, John 6:37, 44).

Conclusion: The Glory of Christ in the Gospel

Lazarus' resurrection foreshadows Christ’s greater resurrection, in which He conquers sin and death.

Jesus calls not only Lazarus but all His elect from spiritual death into new life.

Application: Have you heard and responded to Christ’s call? If He calls, you will come (John 10:27-28).